Behind the Scenes: Why We Chose Silk
At Moonlit Finerie, we’re obsessed with creating irresistible nightwear for you (and your partner) to enjoy. Garments that stand the test of time. So, when it came to sourcing fabric for our first line of nightwear, we immediately thought: Silk.
But, why silk?
Silk Is a Natural Fiber
Our silk is created from the filaments of silkworm cocoons, specifically a protein called fibroin. Silk is widely lauded for its alluring sheen, tensile strength, wicking ability, thermal regulation, and drying speed. Not to mention, it feels great on our skin!
Silk’s beautiful sheen is due to the fact that the silk filaments are smooth and straight. The filaments are a triangular prism-like structure, which makes them shiny when the light hits them. Now who doesn’t like a little shine?
Although silk is beautiful, soft, and lightweight, it is the strongest natural fiber - stronger than cotton, wool, and linen. A filament of silk is even stronger than a similar sized filament of steel!
Silk wicks moisture away from your skin, helping to keep you cooler in warm temperatures and warmer in cool temperatures. This property helps with the body’s thermal regulation. It keeps you cool at night, which is important as our hormones change.
Silk also dries quickly - unlike cotton which absorbs moisture and keeps that moisture close to your skin. However, silk does lose some of its strength when it gets wet, so it’s always better to dry clean your silk garments instead of washing them. They will last much longer and keep their sheen better. We highly recommend reading and following the care instructions for all of your silk clothing.
Types of Silk Fabrics
A silk filament, or fiber, can be used to create over 50 types of different silk fabrics. Some of the more popular types of silk fabric include chiffon, crepe de chine, organza, taffeta, habotai, and charmeuse. It should be noted that any of these fabrics can be made with other fibers, such as rayon, polyester, or cotton. Fiber and fabric are two totally different things.
Chiffon is an uber-lightweight and sheer fabric which is used for lingerie, blouses, and evening wear.
Crepe de chine is a lightweight fabric that drapes well and has a medium luster. It is also used for lingerie, blouses, evening wear and dress linings.
Organza can be sheer or not. It has a light sheen and feels crisp. Therefore, organza does not drape easily. It is used for trim, collars, and facings on evening and bridal wear, as well as for table runners and sheer curtains.
Taffeta is another crisp-feeling fabric which makes a rustling sound when worn. It is used in high end wedding dresses, ball gowns, and curtains.
Habotai is a lightweight silk fabric known for its softness and medium sheen. It is used for linings in dresses, as well as in shirts and some lingerie applications.
Charmeuse is a satin weave fabric that is still considered lightweight, but has more hand feel to it. It has both a shiny side and a matte side. Charmeuse is a luxe fabric that is smooth and drapes well. It is often used for dress and suit linings, lingerie, wraps, dresses, and shirts. We at Moonlit Finerie love the feel of charmeuse, which is why we chose it for our first line of nightwear.
History of Silk
While historical accounts differ, it is generally believed that silk originated in China sometime between the 4th and 3rd millennium BC. However, there is scientific evidence in the form of opened cocoons, silk fibers, ribbons, and spinning tools that have been found at various archaeological sites that point to silk’s existence as early as the 7th and 6th millennium BC.
Legend has it that the Empress Hsi Ling Shih, wife of the Yellow Emperor who ruled in China around 3000 BC, was having tea under a tree one day when a cocoon fell in her cup. As the cocoon began to unravel, she became entranced by the shiny fibers. Empress Hsi Ling Shih has been given the title of the Goddess of Silk, since many believe that she helped to create sericulture (the production of silk), silkworm cultivation, and the reel and loom.
The production of silk was one of the best kept secrets in China for nearly 3,000 years. China maintained a monopoly on silk until 200 BC, when many Chinese fled for Korea and took the secrets of silk production with them. Silk production is believed to have begun in Japan in 300 BC, in India in 300 AD, and in Persia (current day Iran) in 550 AD.
By the Middle Ages, the Italians and French had also learned how to produce silk fabrics. Each culture created their own patterns and techniques that made them special and unique to each country. However, silkworm disease in Europe and an increased production of silk in Japan eventually eroded away sericulture in France and Italy in the 1800s.
Stretch Silk Charmeuse and Luxury
In order to give you the best hand feel, drape, and comfort, we decided to use a stretch silk charmeuse, which is a 95% silk/5% elastane blend. While luxurious, that little bit of stretch makes all the difference in the world to creating the best nightwear. We think that you’ll be a believer soon, too.
